If you're transferring, there is no negotiating, they have to follow the 2-step rule (provided it is a promotion). As for the bonus, I just asked HR for a relocation bonus and they gave me one.

Here's your bonus 1 less furlough day than everybody else. The hiring freezes have started.

Anonymous wrote:I think around 25 or 30k.

bloody hell, what GS level were you recruited for and what agency (or area of the governement such as natsec/intel/finance/lawyer if you don't want to be too detailed) if you don't mind me asking?

I think around 25 or 30k.

Anonymous wrote:How much were your bonuses for?

PP here. 10k plus relo but i don't remember what relo was (was a small amount because i didn't relocate from that far away...only like 150 miles) and didn't have much to relo.

You may also be able to negotiate additional Annual Leave days.

I got a signing bonus and relocation costs for my first federal job out of law school. I think it was $5K (which I, of course, thought was incredible!). That was 2004.

How much were your bonuses for?

I got a signing bonus. It was primarily because they couldn't offer me the step I would have earned based on previous salary because I'd been out of the work force for more than 6 months.

i was offered a signing bonus but it wasn't really a signing bonus, it was a lump sum bonus for language skills.

If you switch agencies and get a higher grade, can you only expect the 2-step rule to be applied, or can you ever negotiate for more?

Also, has anyone ever gotten a signing bonus as a Fed and if so, how did you negotiate it?